Tapped by the Academy of Country Music to be the official tourism host for the ACM Awards (acmcountry.com), this Texas native is ready to rock. We caught up with the singer-songwriter to learn more. Here, a few sound bytes...
As a Texas native, what inspired you to pursue country music?
My influences were always Texas artists like George Strait, Randy Rogers Band, Miranda Lambert, and Pat Green, to name a few. Growing up in Texas meant a different outlook on country music: there’s country music, and there’s Texas country music. I knew I always wanted to stay true to where I came from with my music and love that I am able to incorporate hints of my roots in my music today. And, my single “Texas and You” always beautifully reflects my love and desire to be back in Texas.
The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards are being held in your hometown of Frisco on May 12. Is that surreal for you?
It is exciting that the ACMs are being held here! It makes me so proud to be from a place that loves country music and is doing so much to help support it!
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards?
Hosts Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks are absolute legends and the perfect power duo to make this year’s ACM Awards the best of the best! I hope we get to see Dolly perform a song from her new rock album Rock Star and hope to meet my fellow Texan, Corey Kent.
Go-to restaurants and shops for those coming in town?
First stop is always Mi Cocina for Tex-Mex and an iconic Mambo Taxi margarita. I’d try to catch a Dallas Stars playoff game or bop around dozens of shops at The Star in Frisco such as Lucchese or Flea Style!
What can fans expect next?
I’m actually releasing a new single “Sound of You Gone” dropping May 26, available on all streaming platforms. It’s going to be a busy month, but I’m so excited to open for such incredible artists and to release this song—one of the most vulnerable songs I’ve been able to share yet.
Photography by: COURTESY OF RED LIGHT MANAGEMENT
